Abstract LB-87: Association between global DNA hypomethylation in leukocytes and risk of ovarian cancer

DNA hypomethylation was the first recognized epigenetic defect in human cancer. Most human cancers display global DNA hypomethylation, which is typically manifested by reduced 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5mdC) levels and/or reduced methylation of repetitive DNA elements, including LINE-1 sequences. DNA hypomethylation may contribute to oncogenesis by promoting genomic instability and oncogene activation. Little is currently known about global DNA methylation status in normal tissues from cancer patients, or in individuals at elevated cancer risk. Recently, we reported that leukocytes from breast cancer patients show a significant reduction in global DNA methylation as compared to controls (p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-87.